Joe is elated to reunite with his castmembers for the movie series’ next installment.

But the star admits he is shocked the first picture, which grossed over $113 million worldwide, has turned out to be such a defining professional moment.

“It’s crazy. I didn’t think that would be my first franchise. I never thought that would ever be the direction of my career,” he explained.

“But that said, it’s just proof that I don’t know best, all the time. It was the most fun I’ve ever had, and I can’t wait to get back in and mix it up with those guys.”

The first Magic Mike was directed by Haywire filmmaker Steven Soderbergh, but it is not yet confirmed who will helm the sequel.

Channing previously revealed Steven is definitely not coming back.

“You know, we don’t know if it’s going to happen yet. We want it to happen. We’d love it to be a road trip movie, but [Steven] Soderbergh’s not directing—like done, done. He’s like actually gone,” he told MTV News.